over the counter
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Related to over the counter: Over the Counter Market
over the counter
1. Of a medicinal product, not requiring a doctor's prescription to be purchased. Often hyphenated. I thought the infection was serious, but I just needed an over-the-counter cream. It wasn't until 1985 that this medication was available over the counter.
2. Of stocks, negotiated directly between buyer and seller, without being listed on an official stock exchange. He was offering an incredible price, so we just sold the stocks over the counter.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
over the counter
Fig. [of medication bought or sold] without a prescription. (Hyphenated when prenominal. See also under the counter.) This is a good product. You can buy it over the counter. I don't put much trust in over-the-counter medications.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
over the counter
by ordinary retail purchase, with no need for a prescription or licence.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
over the ˈcounter
goods, especially medicines, for sale over the counter can be bought without written permission from a doctor: These tablets are available over the counter.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
over the counter
1. Without being listed or available on an officially recognized stock exchange but in trade by direct negotiation between buyers and sellers: bought stocks over the counter.
2. Without a doctor's prescription being legally required: cold medicine that is available over the counter.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.